The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (2023)

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (1)

Slang is an integral part of the English conversation..american slangit is full of eccentric sayings and useful colloquialisms in the most diverse occasional situations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced English speaker, you will want to improve your English skills. American slang terms and their meanings!

Now you may be wondering what is slang or what is cool slang. "Slang" refers toInformal vocabulary not normally found in a dictionary. Manyjargonthey have multiple meanings, so you need to pay close attention to the context of a conversation to use them correctly.This makes it a good idea to practice your English colloquial terms with friends before using them on strangers!

Useamerican slangand phrases

Keep this in mind as you work through this list.american slangmay vary depending on the region you are in. eg rightjargonthey are used more frequently in rural areas than in the city center.You can find another more popular group.jargonon the US West Coast versus the East Coast or in the Midwest versus the Deep South. Don't know which one to use in your region? Hang out with the locals and hear what kind of slang they use!

Remember that the most popular expressions are slangthey are intended for casual conversation, so you should not use them in a formal context. you will hear a lotamerican slangPhrases in popular TV shows and movies, so you're probably already familiar with many of these words. Also if you believe itcolloquial words in englishwill be working across the pond in England - think again!There's a whole different world of British slang out there.While there may be some cross-phrasing, in general, countries have their own unique sets of english slang. Today we focus on typical American slang sayings.

Colloquial/Everyday Slang Words in English

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (2)

1.What is wrong?- Hears; What do you do?

"Hey Tom! What happened?"

"Not much!"

2.I understand you- I understand you and I'm sorry. For example, "I can empathize with that. That was really unfair."

3.I get it- I understand. For example, "I get it now! Thanks for explaining that."

4.the same applies here- I agree.

"I'm having a really hard time studying for this test."

"The same applies here."

5.My mistake- My mistake. For example: "My mistake! I didn't want that."

6.Oh my God!– (used to describe emotion or surprise). For example, "OMG! You scared me!"

7.Your bets- Of course; The pleasure is mine.

"Thanks for the jacket, Tom!"

"¡Sin duda, Sally!"

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8.Don't worry- That's good. For example: "Don't worry about the mess. I'll clean it up."

9.No problem- It is not a problem.

"Thanks for teaching me, Tom!"

"No hay problema, Sally".

10nothing more– (same use as above).

11no sweat– (same use as above).

12No problem– (same use as above).

American English Slang Descriptors

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (3)

1.Cabinet– Relaxed or calm. For example: "This weekend was very relaxed."

2.Cold- (Same as above).

3.Walk away- Fantastic.

"I passed the test!"

"¡Volar!"

4.Cold- (Same as above).

5.Lahm- The opposite of great or fantastic. For example: "This is so ridiculous that you can't go out tonight."

6.Bomba- Fine. For example, "The sandwich was bomb."

7.Wound- A disappointment. For example: “That sucks. I'm sorry about what happened."

8.Walk away– Questionable or suspicious. For example: "I saw a suspicious guy in my neighborhood last night."

9.warm- Attractive. For example, "He/she is sexy."

(Video) English Slang Words 2022 Quiz | Can You Score 15/15?

10Beat- Tired. For example: "he was so exhausted after that soccer game."

11Sick- Big. For example, "These shoes are sick!"

12Epic- Great or great. For example: "It was an epic party last night."

13lined- Very physically fit. For example, "Tom is crazy!"

14Thousand- Fool. For example, "The rom-com we watched was pretty cheesy."

quince.kitsch- (Same as above).

sixteen.scaly- Undecided. For example, "John is so weird. He never shows up when he says he will."

17apestaba– It was of poor/poor quality. For example, "This movie sucks."

English slang for people and relationships.

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (4)

1.Drinks- His couple; an attractive personality. For example, "Hello, honey!" or "She's a baby."

2.the crash- romantic attraction to someone For example: "I am very much in love with him."

3.rule out– End a relationship with someone. For example, "She left him last May."

4.Ex– An old relationship or spouse. For example, "This is my ex-girlfriend."

5.a shutdown- Something repulsive. For example, "Bad Cologne is a joint."

6.group level- The one who loves parties. For example, "Jerry is a party animal."

7.Stubenhocker- A lazy person. For example: "Don't be a couch potato! Let's go for a walk."

8.The sauce- A very intelligent man. For example, "Sally is a math whiz."

9.Pollo- coward. For example: "Don't be a chicken! Go skate with me.

10chica– A girl or a young woman. For example, "The girl is hilarious."

(Video) Most Popular American Slang Words You Should Know In 2022

11become addicted- Marry. For example, "Tom and Sally are being arrested."

12tie the knot- (Same as above).

13you were fired– You lost your job. For example, "Did they fire Jerry?"

American slang for social events

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (5)

1.disengage- Spend time with others. For example: "Would you like to go out with us?"

2.I am down- I can enter. For example: "I like table tennis."

3.i'm a game- (Same as above).

4.Count on me- (Same as above).

5.An explosion- A very fun event. For example, "Last night was amazing!"

6.appearing- Come to an event. For example: "I can't show up before 7."

7.photo- A movie. For example: "Would you like to see a movie on Friday?"

8.Roden- Afternoon snack. For example: "Would you like to eat something tonight?"

9.wasted- Drunk. For example: "She was drunk last night."

10Drunk- (Same as above).

11Beverage- alcohol. For example: "Are you going to drink alcohol at the party?"

See also:Common Expressions in English [Infographic]

American English slang for actions

The 70+ most common English slang words and phrases (6)

1.eat like a pig- Eat a lot. For example: "I looked for it at McDonald's last night."

2. hit- Falling asleep quickly. For example: "After all those hours of studying, I fell."

(Video) 10 Popular English Slang Words & Their Meanings You Must Know To Use In Daily English Conversation-2

3.illuminate- Chill out. Example: "Silence! It was an accident."

4.Vermasseln- Make a mistake. For example: "I'm sorry, I made a mistake and forgot our plans."

5.Absurd- (Same as above).

6.score– To get something worth fighting for. For example: "I got the best seats in the stadium!"

7.To involve- To finish something. For example: "We'll be done in five minutes."

8.As- Pass a test with 100%. For example: "I think I will pass the exam."

9.Plug- Study hard before an exam. For example, "Sorry, I can't go out. I have to study tonight.

10Deposit- Exit abruptly. For example: "I'm sorry I had to go out last night."

11Graben- To skip an event. Example: "I'm going to miss class tomorrow to go to the beach."

12Lake- Caught doing something wrong. For example: "I got arrested for turning in my homework late."

Various American slang words

1.just– Something that is free. For example, "The bumper sticker was a gift."

2.lemon- A bad buy. For example, "This phone case was a lemon."

3.lots- Sunglasses. For example: "I can't find my sunglasses."

4.shotgun- The front seat of a car. For example, "Can I put down the shotgun?"

5.in any moment- A lot soon. For example: "We finished our homework quickly."

6.block- One dollar. For example, "It only costs a dollar."

7.trick– A purchase that was very expensive. For example, "This phone case was stolen."

You can notMaster conversational English with just oneText book!Listening to native speakers and understanding social cues is the key to making thempopular american sayingsand the sentences sound natural. You can also listen to how these words are used in American music, movies, and TV for better understanding. Don't forget to imitate what you hear!

memorize itcolloquial words in englishand its meaning brings you one step closer to the sound of a place. Consider this your dictionary of American slang. Need more help practicing your skills?It is better to work directly with them.english tutor.If you don't have a teacher nearby,TakeLessons en vivomakes working with the perfect teacher easy online english classes.

(Video) 10 English Words Only British People Use - British English with Natalie

FAQs

What was the most popular slang word in 1977? ›

Check out the rest of the list to see the most popular slang term the year you were born.
  • 1970: Dorky.
  • 1971: Deadheads.
  • 1972: Guilt Trip.
  • 1973: Carbo.
  • 1974: Motorhead.
  • 1975: Detox.
  • 1976: Hardball.
  • 1977: Brewski.
Apr 11, 2019

What are some old slang words? ›

50 Vintage Slang Words That Sound Hilarious Today
  • Wisenheimer.
  • Knuckle sandwich.
  • Arf'arf'an'arf.
  • Ducky shincracker.
  • Khaki wacky.
  • Sockdolager.
  • Applesauce.
  • Gigglemug.

Can you tell me some English slangs? ›

English Slang Words
  • Yep and Nope. In spoken English it's very common to say Yeah or Yep instead of 'yes', above all in an informal setting. ...
  • Just kidding! ...
  • What on earth…? ...
  • If only… ...
  • Dunno. ...
  • Cool! ...
  • It sucks! ...
  • To be a chicken and chicken out.
Jan 26, 2020

What was the word for cool in the 70s? ›

Hip. There are many, many ways to express the word “cool,” but “hip” was the all-time favorite term during this groovy decade. If you were cool, then you were hip. Being hip often meant cool car, cool clothes, cool vibe.

What was 70s slang for dance? ›

boogie. The word “boogie” has become so synonymous with 1970s slang as to almost become a cliche. It generally means “to dance,” though you can also “boogie” from place to place.

What was the most popular slang word in 1976? ›

1976: 'Tude. 'Tude became a common slang term in the late '70s, as a shortened form of the word attitude. Merriam-Webster added the abbreviation in 1976, noting that it specifically refers to a "cocky" or "arrogant" demeanor.

What was some slang in the 80s? ›

1980s Slang Words And Phrases
  • Gag me with a spoon! Meaning: That's disgusting! ...
  • Gnarly. Meaning: amazing, awesome; or, disgusting. ...
  • Eat my shorts! Meaning: a crude remark to tell someone to go away, stop bothering you, etc. ...
  • Homeboy, homegirl, homebuddy, etc. ...
  • Veg out. ...
  • Wannabe. ...
  • Where's the beef?
Aug 27, 2021

What was the most popular slang in 1978? ›

Here's What Slang Word Was Popular The Year You Were Born!
  • Kevin Manno from Valentine In The Morning, found a list of the most popular slang words and sayings the year you were born! ...
  • 1964, "aw shucks" ...
  • 1978, "pig out" ...
  • 1981, "chill pill" ...
  • 1987, "couch surfing" ...
  • 1993, "da bomb" ...
  • 1996, "whatever"
Apr 18, 2017

What are some old sayings that people don't say anymore? ›

Here are 16 other common phrases that no longer reflect the action:
  • "Wrap it up" and "That's a wrap" "'Wrap it up” or 'That's a wrap! ...
  • "Filming" "'Filming' with a digital camera," wrote user Dee-Lite.
  • "Footage" ...
  • "Dashboard" ...
  • "Put a sock in it" ...
  • "Turn it down a notch" ...
  • "Hit the hay" ...
  • "Sleep tight"
Jul 26, 2020

What is 53 slang? ›

53x is “sex” in leetspeak, a coded way to spell words developed on early internet messages boards in the 1980s. In leetspeak, letters are often replaced by numbers or symbols that resemble them—with the number 5 often standing in for letter s and 3, e, yielding 53x.

What is the most popular British slang? ›

20 of the Most Common British Slang Words
  • Fit (adj) So, in the UK fit doesn't just mean that you go to the gym a lot. ...
  • Loo (noun) ...
  • Dodgy (adj) ...
  • Proper (adj) ...
  • Knackered (adj) ...
  • Quid (noun) ...
  • Skint (noun) ...
  • To Skive (verb) Skiver (noun)
Jun 20, 2019

What are slang words for 100? ›

$100 bill is occasionally "C-note" (C being the Roman numeral for 100, from the Latin word centum) or "century note"; it can also be referred to as a "Benjamin" or "Benny" (after Benjamin Franklin, who is pictured on the note), or a "yard" (so $300 is "3 yards" and a $50 bill is a "half a yard").

What is cool in English slang? ›

But starting around the 1930s, cool began appearing in American English as an extremely casual expression to mean something like 'intensely good. ' This usage also distinguished the speaker, italicizing their apartness from mainstream culture.

What is cool in Old English? ›

Etymology 1

From Middle English cool, from Old English cōl (“cool, cold, tranquil, calm”), from Proto-West Germanic *kōl(ī), from Proto-Germanic *kōlaz, *kōluz (“cool”), from Proto-Indo-European *gel- (“cold”).

How do you say hello in the 70s? ›

Greetings and taking your leave in the 70's were never as simple as hello and goodbye. You greeted someone with "What it is?" or "What's up blood?" or "Slap me some skin" or "Gimme some skin, man!" or "Gimme me five, man!" or "What it is!" or "What's happenin' man?" or "What's up, dude?"

What is a person in their 70's called? ›

A person between 60 and 69 is called a sexagenarian. A person between 70 and 79 is called a septuagenarian.

What were the 70s known for? ›

The 1970s are famous for bell-bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovation.

Did they say groovy in the 70s? ›

Groovy (or, less commonly, groovie or groovey) is a slang colloquialism popular during the 1950s, '60s and '70s. It is roughly synonymous with words such as "excellent", "fashionable", or "amazing", depending on context.

Did people say Rad in the 70s? ›

When the '70s turned into the '80s, rad entered what would be its golden age. Everyone said it, every teased-hair mall rat from Reseda to North Carolina, thanks to the vehicle of its popularity: Valley Girl talk, aka Valspeak.

What was popular slang in the 1950s? ›

Corny 1950s Slang Terms

A few examples originating in the 1950s could include “cruisin' for a bruisin',” “knuckle sandwich,” “Daddy-O,” “burn rubber,” “party pooper,” “ankle biter,” “get bent,” “cool cat,” and “got it made in the shade.”

What slang was used in the 1950s? ›

1950s Slang for People
  • ankle-biter - a small child.
  • beatnik - a young person who's into the beat lifestyle (music, drugs, booze, etc.)
  • back seat bingo - making out in the back seat of a car.
  • bada** - a tough guy.
  • bash ears - talk too much.
  • bird dog - someone who tries to steal your girlfriend.
  • circled - married.

What was the most popular slang in 1974? ›

1974 – Motorhead (noun): a person who is really into motorcycles. The term would be used for the iconic heavy metal band one year later.

What slang was used in the 1920s? ›

Crab: Figure out • Crate: Car • Croak: To kill • Croaker: Doctor • Crush: An infatuation. Crushed out: Escaped (from jail) • Cush: Money (a cushion, something to fall back on) • Cut down: Killed (esp. shot?) Policeman Page 7 1920s Slang 7 o A collar or an arrest.

What was the slang in the 1960s? ›

1960s Slang
A
Catsrefers to people (courtesy of Mackenzie)
Cherrysomething that is near perfect or in great condition also a virgin
Chickthe most common word for a female, usually a young female
Chicken (noun)someone who's afraid
87 more rows

What does WAP mean in Old English? ›

(obsolete, transitive) To wrap or bind.

What was the most popular slang word in 1965? ›

1965: Hippie. Hippie comes from the word hip, which means "cool" or "up-to-date." The new slang term was popularized by journalists in the 1960s as a way to label the new, arising youth subculture that was rejecting long-established societal norms.

What is the most famous slang? ›

'Ghosted' and 'salty' are top slang words of 2022, survey says. But 'bae'? Not so much.
  • Slang isn't going away. ...
  • Nearly all Americans (94%) use slang, a higher number than the 84% figure this survey found last year.
  • The most popular slang terms remain "ghosted" (to cut off communication) and "salty" (angry).
Nov 29, 2022

What did 60s hippy say? ›

Hippie Sayings

"Don't bogart that joint, man." "Turn on, tune in, and drop out." "Let your freak flag fly." Those long-haired tree-huggers sure had a unique way of talking.

What are some slang words from the 90s? ›

20 Slang Terms Every 1990s Kid Will Remember
  • Talk to the hand. Shutterstock. Whatever the other person is trying to tell you has been rejected. ...
  • As if! Shutterstock. ...
  • Booyah! Shutterstock. ...
  • Scrub. Shutterstock. ...
  • Not! Shutterstock. ...
  • Monet. Shutterstock. ...
  • Aiight. Shutterstock. ...
  • Crunk. Shutterstock.

What is a very British thing to say? ›

I'm knackered – I'm tired. Cheeky – Mischievous or playful. Bloody – This is a very British thing to say – meaning very. I'm pissed – Not meaning the regular “angry”, in British talk it actually means you're very drunk and is used quite a lot when you are out drinking with friends.

What is the most overused phrase? ›

"No worries." "New normal." "Circle back." "You're on mute." These are among the most overused, misused and generally groan-inducing phrases, according to the judges of a Michigan university's annual "Banished Words List."

What are some weird British sayings? ›

Here's 9 of the weirdest phrases Britain has to offer.
  • You're all bum and parsley. ...
  • Happy as a pig in muck. ...
  • Were ya born in a barn. ...
  • Not give a monkey's. ...
  • It looks a bit black over Bill's mothers. ...
  • That's the badger. ...
  • Bob's your uncle. ...
  • Making a right pig's ear of something.
Nov 3, 2016

What does 1174 mean in slang? ›

12 internet, texting acronyms every parent should know

Here's a good example: "1174." Do you know what "1174" stands for? Neither did I. It apparently means "party location" (yeah, I don't know why either).

What does 223 mean in slang? ›

The lyric refers to gang violence, with the title referring to semi-automatic rifles that fire . 223 cartridges.

What does l8 mean in slang? ›

(Internet slang, text messaging) Abbreviation of late.

What do you call a girl in British slang? ›

'Lass' or 'lassie' is another word for 'girl'. This is mainly in the north of England and Scotland. 'Lad' is another word for boy. 'Bloke' or 'chap' means 'man'. Your 'mate' or 'pal' is your friend.

What is British slang for lying? ›

Porkies

Cockney rhyming slang: pork pies = lies. No one likes someone who tells porkies.

What do Brits say instead of awesome? ›

Ace: One fun British slang term is "ace," which means something that's awesome or brilliant – i.e., "She's ace at navigating confusing driving directions." It's also used as a verb to describe excelling at something, like acing a test.

What is $10 bill slang? ›

Sawbuck is an old-fashioned slang term for a $10 bill. The phrase reportedly reflects the fact that the Roman numeral X, which resembles a wooden sawbuck, was traditionally used on U.S. $10 banknotes to denote the number 10.

What is a 560 in slang? ›

560 is a Xhosa slang term for main chick or the main partner. I can't date you cause you know I have a 560. by: MXhosa, 15 May 2021.

What is a 40 in slang? ›

1 Answer. A bottle containing 40 fluid ounces of malt liquor beer. The beer is of low quality and fairly cheap to buy. The term and slang “40” was also popularized in Chicago, Illinois as a word referring to handguns and the gun's caliber.

What is hippie slang for? ›

The Dictionary of American Slang defined the word hippie as: 1. A person who is hip or cool, generic for a character who is supper cool, over blasé so far out that he appears to be asleep when he s digging something the most. Many slang words are interchangeable: as if they were synonyms.

What are some famous slang words? ›

Compound Slang
  • Crashy - Crazy and trashy, like a trainwreck.
  • Crunk - Getting high and drunk at the same time, or crazy and drunk.
  • Hangry - Hungry and angry.
  • Requestion - Request and a question, or to question again.
  • Tope - Tight and dope.
Aug 22, 2022

What are some popular slangs? ›

The most well-known slang words and phrases in America are “ghosted,” “salty,” and “on point.” 58% of Americans don't know what the 'Rona' means.

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